June 29: Coming to America (1988)

Milestone Years

• 40th Anniversary: June 29, 2028
• 50th Anniversary: June 29, 2038
• 75th Anniversary: June 29, 2063

Inspiration Behind the Movie

Eddie Murphy conceived the idea for Coming to America after imagining a character who wanted to be loved for who he was, not his wealth or status. The story developed from Murphy’s interest in culture clashes and identity, leading to the tale of an African prince who travels to Queens, New York, to find a bride who will love him for himself.

You Might Not Know

• Eddie Murphy played multiple characters, including Prince Akeem and several others in disguise.
• The barbershop scenes were achieved with heavy prosthetic makeup and became iconic.
• It marked the first collaboration between Eddie Murphy and director John Landis since their falling out during Trading Places.
• The fictional country Zamunda has become a pop culture reference for lavish fictional African kingdoms.
• Murphy’s real-life brother, Charlie Murphy, makes a cameo appearance in a barbershop scene.

Food Ideas

• Royal feast platter with African-inspired dishes like jollof rice and suya
• McDowell’s-style burgers (play on McDonald’s with creative toppings)
• Queen-to-be cupcakes with edible gold decorations
• Peach cobbler (a nod to Southern-American cuisine often linked to soul food)
• Mocktails served in gold-rimmed goblets for a regal feel

Ways to Celebrate

• Host a “royal attire” movie night with friends dressed as Zamundan royalty
• Play trivia focused on Eddie Murphy films and 1980s comedy classics
• Recreate the barbershop characters in a fun impersonation contest
• Serve food in gold-colored plates for a Zamunda-themed dinner party
• Watch the sequel, Coming 2 America, for a double-feature celebration

Filming Locations

Most of the movie was filmed in New York City, specifically Queens, to reflect Prince Akeem’s immersion into American life. The exterior of McDowell’s was actually a Wendy’s that the production redesigned. Some palace scenes were filmed at the Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills, which has been used in several other Hollywood films.